Helping Pets Impacted by Disaster
TOPEKA, Kan., Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the recent devastation from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Hill's Pet Nutrition's Disaster Relief Network has donated more than 75,000 pounds of pet food to 60 cities in four states. The food donations have supported nearly 90 animal shelters and veterinary clinics in areas of Texas, Florida, Louisiana and New Mexico affected by the hurricanes, subsequent flooding and mass evacuations.
In the days leading up to the hurricanes, Hill's activated its Disaster Relief Network and proactively shipped pet food to its shelter partners in areas that were in harm's way. In the weeks following the storms, Hill's has continued to route pet food shipments to partners in need of donations and supplies as they care for displaced and lost animals, as well as pets that were already at their shelters.
Hill's is also working to provide pet food to areas in the Caribbean that were devastated by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
"Seeing the devastation and hearing from families who have been forced to leave their homes has been heartbreaking, and it's important for people to know their local animal welfare organizations are there to help," said Joann Fuller, who oversees Hill's Pet Nutrition's Food, Shelter & Love® program. "We're inspired by the dedication of our partners who are caring for animals and reuniting families with beloved pets during this time of crisis. We are happy to provide food for the pets in their care, so they can focus on other areas of need within the community."
When communities are hit with disasters, the Hill's Disaster Relief Network responds quickly to supply pet food where it's needed most. The first-of-its-kind network was established in 2013 as an extension of the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love® program, which has provided more than $280 million worth of Hill's® Science Diet® brand pet foods to over 800 shelters in North America and helped more than 9 million pets find new homes.
In the past few years, the Hill's Disaster Relief Network delivered free food to shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to:
- Over 40 major incidents, including floods, fires, tornadoes and a mudslide.
- 16 emergencies across the United States in 2016, including the severe flooding in Louisiana, where Hill's donated 75,000 pounds of free pet food.
Hill's is also reminding people that while the storms have passed, there is still much work to be done in the coming weeks. "We don't know how long it will take communities to fully recover in the aftermath of these disasters, but Hill's is committed to providing support to our partners in need," Fuller added. "We encourage people to consider making donations to the animal welfare organizations in areas hit hardest by the storms, as they work tirelessly to take care of the pets in their communities."
Shelters in need of assistance can contact [email protected]. Families who would like to learn more about disaster preparedness and safety can visit HillsPet.com/PetPrepared.
About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill's mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL'S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL'S® Science Diet® and HILL'S® Ideal Balancetm wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill's, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com or Facebook, keywords "Hill's Pet Nutrition."
SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition
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